Sunday, January 25, 2026
Home Blog Page 4590

Cougar Track and Field open 2015 indoor season in Colorado

By
Editor
-
0
barton cc

The Barton Community College men’s track and field team opened their 2015 indoor season Friday at the Air Force Collegiate Open Meet held at Cadet Field House on the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Bolstering the roster in the sprints, Barton placed two in the top six in the 60 meters.  Freshman Alex Richmond‘s 6.93 captured fifth place edging out sophomore teammate Shadrack Adu-Gyamfi by .02 seconds while freshman Anthony Adderly placed 14th in 7.01.   Richmond was also the lone jumper for the Cougars placing fifth in the Long Jump at 6.53m (21-5.25).

Mike Simmons led three sophomore Cougars in the top twelve of the 200 meters crossing the tape in fourth place at 22.07.  Quick Stukes placed eighth in 22.26 while Adu-Gyamfi finished 12th in 22.59.

Sophomore Kennedy Mayweather cracked the top ten of the 400 meters with a 50.56 to place ninth.  Micha Carey’s 52.20 was good for 19th with fellow freshman Jonathon Pierre coming in a half second behind in 22nd with a 52.72.

Freshman cross country athlete Antonio Perez led five Cougars in the 800 meters with three pf the entries cracking the top eleven.  Perez placed seventh in 2:00.40, freshman Anthony Forrest in ninth at 2:03.13, and sophomore Brady Holler‘s 2:04.47 was good for 11th.   Sophomore Kole Stiner finished in 17th in 2:13.33 while Elder Colindres‘ 2:16.28 placed the freshman 19th.

The Cougars had three entries in the 60 meter hurdles with two finishing in the top seven.  Freshman Deron Gordon led the way coming in third with an 8.27 with sophomore Zodani Francois in seventh at 8.40 while freshman Kyree Triggs placed 15th in 8.82.

Barton dominated the Mile Relay taking the top two spots of the eight team entries.  Team A got the best of their counterparts taking the crown in 3:23.47 while Team B closed in 3:26.25.

The Cougars also had solid performances in the throws led by sophomore Alireza Rafiei seventh place finish in the Shot Put with a personal collegiate best 15.20m (49-10.50) and freshman Donald Daley‘s tenth place finish at 14.35m (47-1.00).  Daley also led three Cougars in the Wight Throw with another tenth place finish at 13.84m (45-5.00) while sophomores Tyler Jordan‘s 11.61m (38-1.25) and Colby Overturf‘s 10.32m (33-10.25) placed 17th and 18th respectively.

Barton returns to action on Friday in the two-day Holiday Inn Invitational held on the campus of the University of Nebraska in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Kansas is your customer

By
Editor
-
0

By John Schlageck, Kansas Farm Bureau

While food safety will always be the cornerstone of our production process, allegiance is making inroads into why and where consumers buy their products.

The majority of today’s shoppers enjoys and often takes for granted the expanded menu in supermarkets. They look forward to shopping in a meat case filled with dozens of new cuts, pre-packaged, oven-ready, custom portioned, “natural” and pre-cooked products. They can’t wait to get their mitts on the marinades, dry rubs, cooking bags and other specialty items designed for time strapped, two-income families.

There’s also another growing group of consumers who are purchasing products based on trust and nostalgia. This notion of nostalgia, or pining, harkens back to the good old days – a time when events and lives were perceived as simpler, more wholesome, just downright better.

Many in this new group of consumers want to share in the story behind the product they are buying. They wish to establish a direct link and cultivate a relationship with the producer who provides them with tomatoes, asparagus, corn or their leg of lamb for the upcoming holiday.

There are a fair number of shoppers who yearn to develop a trust with producers who they believe will provide them with a quality, consistent wholesome product time after time.

Tapping into this ever-changing consumer landscape, today’s food producer – especially those located near large-population, urban areas – must not miss the opportunity to reach the hearts, minds and stomachs of consumers who feel strongly about their food.

Some consumer-savvy producers are already honed in on this concept. They’ve retooled their farming operation from a conventional commodities-only business to one that includes pick-your-own sweet corn, pumpkins, asparagus, tomatoes and strawberries. They’re giving people what they want.

Others now provide home deliveries of fresh produce and sell their produce at local farmers’ markets. Still others have added a corn maze, day-on-the-farm activities, ice-cream socials and chuck-wagon cookouts, while inviting everyone from school-aged kids to wedding rehearsal parties – all to enjoy the farm and ranch way of life.

This new direction in farming is being driven by farmers and ranchers who are attempting to be less dependent on cheap land and vast acreage. This pioneer is tapping into the population surge and wealth of consumers who shop online, drive a couple cars including a SUV and don’t mind paying a premium for the food they feed their families.

Another common element of this non-traditional farmer is the belief that this shift in production style may not make them rich, but will keep them out in the open spaces, running their own business and doing what they enjoy and want to do. A large percentage of those willing to try something new are younger farmers. In many cases, a young farmer is often considered someone who has yet to reach the half-century mark.

For some, traditional farming became too expensive. Others decided traditional farming was no longer worth the effort. Whatever the reason, any farmer will tell you that farming is a difficult process. Still most would agree they are glad they bought their land, and glad they’re doing what they enjoy.

No doubt, more and more farmers will be looking at a different direction to stay on their land in the future. The land will continue to be farmed. There will no doubt be fewer farmers but those who are determined to stay in this business of agriculture will have to find innovative ways to farm and serve their customers.

John Schlageck is a leading commentator on agriculture and rural Kansas. Born and raised on a diversified farm in northwestern Kansas, his writing reflects a lifetime of experience, knowledge and passion.

– credit: kfb

Chronicles of The Farm Woman: The Landon Campaign

By
Editor
-
0
Farm woman

What a day!  What a day!

Can you imagine 500,000 people lining the streets of Indianapolis to see our Kansas governor?  Eight and 10 deep on either side of the street for blocks they stood to watch the Republican standard bearer and the parade.  Every window was filled with faces.  Business had a 2-hour breathing spell on Saturday afternoon.

It took the parade exactly two hours to pass our vantage point.  Two lines of cars and floats two hours long.  Bands and drum corps too numerous to count interspersed the parade.  Legion bands, auxiliary bands and drum corps, kid bands, school

bands, town bands and the spirit of 76 was there.  Delegates from practically every county in the state.  Voters enough in the parade it seemed to carry the state for Landon.  We thought as we crossed Indiana last Sunday that the situation did not look so good.  So few sunflowers were in evi-dence.  But sunflowers lined the streets today as thick as they grow along fence rows and township roads in Lyon County.  Indiana may have looked like a doubtful state yesterday or last week.  Tonight it is in the bag.

And one thing about Republican parades in this campaign of 1936.  They are purely voluntary demon-strations.  There are no orders or threats of fine.

It is remarkable how much satisfaction and confidence people gain by even a glimpse of Landon.  The farm folks were gathered in assembly hall.  The candidate was ushered in for a brief moment.  A wave of inspiration and enthusiasm settled upon the audience.

The Coliseum was so packed that the doors were closed at 7 o’clock, one hour before the speaking.  Thousands listened from outdoor speakers on the fair grounds.  An eager at-tentive audience.  One wonders at the boldly placarded Roosevelt march-ers that are in the crowds.  They apparently are not listening to the radio address.  Do they adore crowds?  With stolid mien they march along, not slow, not fast, a measured trudge.

We turn out the light tonight, weary but thrilled to the toes.  This day is something to tuck in our memory book.

Helping seniors stay connected in witer

By
Editor
-
0

(NAPSI)—While winter, with its cold temperatures and extreme weather, can be an isolating time for many, it can be particularly tough on seniors. When driving conditions deteriorate and roads are slippery, many seniors don’t feel safe enough to venture out of their homes. Others just don’t like the cold and often forgo regular activities and visits with family and friends that involve going outdoors.

However, regular social and cognitive activities are necessary for maintaining optimal health and independence and are often key to fighting through the winter blues. That’s why it can be important for seniors to find innovative ways to maintain a safe, consistent level of activity all year-round. Staying connected and active can contribute to seniors’ well-being and mental sharpness.

The Right Technology

Having access to helpful technology can be beneficial. According to the Administration on Aging, 12 million seniors live alone in the U.S. Fortunately, when armed with the right technology, these seniors don’t have to spend the winter months in isolation.

For example, mobile medical alert services offer seniors the peace of mind many of them need to venture out of their homes. They can come equipped with advanced locating and fall detection technology that adds extra reassurance that help will be there when and if needed.

Additionally, there are mobile response apps that seniors can use to connect to the same emergency call centers offered through traditional and mobile medical alert services. With the added confidence from these technologies, seniors can feel empowered to get out of the house and engage in the activities they love to do, even during the winter months.

The Internet also provides ways to stay connected during the winter. According to The Journals of Gerontology, the Internet has been shown to reduce the probability of depression by 33 percent. Internet-enabled solutions, such as e-mail, social media (e.g., Facebook) and Skype, are all ways to keep in touch. While distance and weather can sometimes get in the way of face-to-face communication, seniors can stay socially engaged and involved through technologies when traveling isn’t an option.

Volunteering And Hobbies

Volunteering can also be a rewarding way for seniors to get involved in their community and meet new people. According to the Corporation for National and Community Service, 24 percent of those over the age of 65 in the U.S. perform volunteer work, and they report lower levels of disability and higher levels of well-being.

Additionally, the quiet months of winter can be a good time to take up a new hobby—for example, joining a local bridge club or knitting circle. There are also exercise classes designed for seniors, which is a good way to stay active and social.

For more information on solutions designed to empower seniors and keep them safe, healthy and connected, visit www.philips.to/lifeline.

Time in the Snow

By
Sandy Pugh
-
0
Sandra Pugh
Sandra Pugh

I was born in a blizzard and Mom had to walk outside on a sidewalk all day during her labor. Then when I was born I was blue. I always told her the reason it took so long for her to deliver me and the reason I was blue was because I didn’t like the cold and I was about half frozen when I was born.

When I was little, before I went to school (in the early 50’s), we lived in the little house just off Main Street in Medicine Lodge. I can remember some snow storms that were pretty bad. My Mom thought that my dog Brownie and I should go outside at least a couple of times a day to play.

So she would bundle me up so I could go out with him. He would wait patiently for Mom to get me ready. I am sure he was secretly glad that he didn’t have to undergo the nonsense I did just so I could outside.

First Mom would put a little undershirt and my socks on me. Then a little soft shirt went over the undershirt. Then a second pair of socks that were a little heavier over the first pair. The next shirt and third layer was a long sleeve turtle neck shirt.

Now it was time for the pants. Over my little thin silky panties went a pair of skin tight pants, not the insulated they have now just a tight pair of regular pants. Over those was a pair of overalls with the straps that cross in the back.

Okay I now have on three layers from top to bottom. You would think I am ready for the trip outside but NOOO that was not enough for Mom. It has now been about 10 minutes of getting me into clothes as Brownie sits by the door tilting his head from side to side with each new layer of clothing.

When he would tilt his head to the side and look at me I would give him a withering glare or stick my tongue out at him and he would just straighten his head up and open his mouth like he was smiling. I think this was funny to him and he thought it was pay back for all the times I dressed him up when we were playing.

Okay, now three layers of clothes are on my body and I weigh pounds more than I did. It is time for the snow suit. My snow suit was pink and puffy. It had cuffs around the wrists to keep the snow and cold out. It also had lightweight feet, like a pair of bunny pajamas, that covered the two pairs of socks.

Once it was on and it was zipped up the front to my chin, Mom would pull up the hood. It had a little tab and snap that held it in place that went around the neck under the chin. Now that the suit was on it was time for the final touches. We are now 15 minutes into the dressing game.

Out came the boots, not insulated like they are now but just rubber boots for rain or for snow. It was all Mom could do to stuff the snow suit and the two pairs of pants and two pairs of socks into them. But she would manage and my boots would be on.

I am surprised that Brownie wasn’t rolling on the floor with laughter by now with all the work she went through to get me dressed for a trip out side into the snow. Now came the wool scarf that she would wrap around my neck and up and over my nose so I didn’t breathe in the cold air. I hated the scarf because it made my face itch.

The last thing Mom put on me was my wool gloves and I hated the feel of them. But she put them on me and then pulled up the attached mittens of the pink snow suit over them. When she was content that I had enough clothes on I was ready for my trip out into the cold and snow.

Brownie seemed to know that we had arrived at the final stage of getting me ready, when the mittens went over my hands, because he would jump to his feet and bounce up and down. He had been ready to go out for 20 minutes but had patiently waited on me.

Mom would open the door and Brownie would stick his nose out the door and sniff. I would look around the outside door and as soon as the cold air hit us both in the face we started to back up. He decided he didn’t have to go that bad and I certainly didn’t want to go out in it either.

But Mom had other ideas and she would push Brownie out with her foot and push me out the door with her left hand as she held the door open with her right. She was now set for some time alone to get something done while we were outside.

Once outside Brownie would start to run circles in the snow, I think he enjoyed a few minutes of it but as soon as he got his business done he was ready to go back in the house where it was warm. It would take me a few minutes to manage to get down the step of the porch in the snowsuit. It is hard to walk when your legs won’t bend.  I am sure I looked like a pink penguin with black feet when I was out in the snow.

I could not put my arms down to my sides; they hung out at an angle from my body. There was enough room under my arms to carry a large loaf of bread. I would waddle around watching Brownie run in circles. I couldn’t even bend over if I had wanted to. If I had fallen down in the snow I would have been there until Mom would have heard me screaming.

I would keep my eye on Brownie and when he was done we would head back to the door. He would bound up onto the step and wait by the door as I waddled around. My knees could barely bend and I would have to work at it to get my foot up on the step. Once I managed to get both feet on the porch, I would start pounding on the door.

It might take a few times of pounding on the door before Mom would come and let us in but I was not going to give up. Neither Brownie nor I wanted to be out in the cold and the snow and I was determined to get back in the house.

We had spent a total of no more than 5 minutes out in the snow and cold but were both ready for the warm house and to spend time in my bedroom with my toys. Mom must have been a glutton for punishment to spend 20 minutes getting me ready for my time in the snow and then we only stayed out there for 5 minutes.  To contact Sandy: [email protected]

1...4,5894,5904,591...4,783Page 4,590 of 4,783

Kansas News, Auctions & Classifieds

Trending

Categories

© Rural Messenger